chapter 11: tournament day

The sharp chime of the academy bells echoed across the grounds, pulling me from the depths of my restless sleep. I groaned, rubbing the back of my head as I sat up. The faint morning light filtered through the window, bathing the dorm in a soft golden glow. My heart sank for a brief moment as I prepared to gather my books for another day of lectures and training, but then I remembered—today wasn't like any other day. It was the day of the tournament. Excitement coursed through me as I swung my legs off the bed, the cold wooden floor beneath my feet jolting me fully awake. My gaze fell to the corner of the room where my new armor gleamed faintly in the sunlight. Next to it lay my sword, wrapped carefully in a length of cloth. A twinge of anticipation ran through me as I approached it. I had yet to see the blade's full form. The shopkeeper had wrapped it for safe transport, and I'd been so busy with preparations that I hadn't taken the time to unwrap it. But there was something about today that told me the moment to reveal it would come soon enough. I strapped on the breastplate, its snug fit offering a sense of protection and readiness. The weight was comforting, a tangible reminder of the work I'd put into reaching this point. I slung the wrapped sword across my back, the familiar heft of it grounding me as I prepared to step out into the day.

The academy halls were buzzing with energy as I made my way outside. Students were gathered in clusters, their voices a blend of excitement and nerves. This wasn't just any tournament—it was the culmination of months of training, the ultimate test of skill and strategy. I spotted Sera waiting by the courtyard fountain, her golden hair shimmering in the morning light. She was already dressed in her light armor, the sleek design accentuating her agility. Her sapphire eyes lit up when she saw me approach. "Morning, Noctis," she said, her voice tinged with excitement. "Ready to take on the world?"

"More like the academy," I replied with a smirk. "But yeah, I'm ready." She grinned and gave me a playful nudge. "Good. Let's head to class. The tournament field isn't going to wait for us."

The classroom was unusually lively, the air thick with anticipation. Our teacher, a tall man with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor, stood at the front, his arms crossed as he waited for the chatter to subside. "Alright, everyone," he began, his voice carrying over the noise. "Today is the day you've all been waiting for. Gather your gear and follow me. It's time to show what you've learned." A murmur of excitement rippled through the room as we filed out, following him down the winding path that led to the tournament field. The field was a grand spectacle. Rows of seats surrounded the circular arena, already filled with students, instructors, and even a few spectators from town. The sunlight glinted off the polished metal of the barriers that enclosed the fighting grounds, and the faint hum of magical wards crackling along the edges reminded us of the precautions in place. The teacher led us to a shaded area at the edge of the field, where a large board displayed the matchups for the day. "You'll be competing in pairs," he announced. "I hope you've chosen wisely. If not, well… you'll learn the hard way." Sera and I exchanged a glance. We'd agreed to team up weeks ago, knowing our strengths complemented each other's. But as I looked around, my thoughts drifted to the conversation I'd overheard days ago—two upper nobles plotting to sabotage me during the tournament. The memory sent a chill down my spine.

The first round was announced shortly after we were paired up, and the buzz of excitement in the crowd grew louder. Two students—a cocky swordsman with a broad grin and a mage whose smirk dripped with overconfidence—stepped into the arena. Their opponents, a pair of quiet but determined-looking fighters, followed. Sera and I found seats close enough to watch the action. "Think they'll win?" she asked, nodding toward the cocky duo. "Maybe," I replied, leaning forward. "But arrogance has a way of backfiring." The fight began with a flurry of movement. The swordsman lunged forward, his blade flashing in the sunlight, while the mage conjured orbs of fire that spiraled toward their opponents. Their teamwork was impressive, but it was clear they underestimated the quieter pair. Their opponents moved with precision, their strategy unfolding like a well-rehearsed dance. The battle lasted several minutes, each clash of steel and burst of magic drawing cheers from the crowd. In the end, the cocky duo managed to edge out a win, though it was far from the easy victory they'd expected. "They got lucky," Sera said, shaking her head. "Luck won't carry them through the next round," I said.

Before long, it was our turn to step into the arena. My pulse quickened as the announcer called our names. Sera gave me a reassuring nod, her usual confidence bolstering my own as we rose from our seats. We descended into the arena, the sound of the crowd fading into the background as I focused on the task ahead. Our opponents were already waiting—a broad-shouldered boy wielding a hefty warhammer and a small, nervous-looking girl clutching a staff. "Remember, they're not just opponents," Sera whispered as we took our positions. "They're people. Watch the healer—she's still learning." I nodded, adjusting my grip on the cloth-wrapped sword. The warhammer wielder cracked his knuckles, his grin equal parts intimidating and excited. "Ready?" the announcer's voice boomed, and the crowd fell silent. The match began with a loud clang as the warhammer came crashing toward me. I sidestepped, the ground shaking under the force of the blow. Sera darted forward, her agility allowing her to weave around the healer, whose attempts at casting were shaky but earnest. I parried another swing from the warhammer, the vibrations traveling through the hilt of my still-wrapped blade. The boy was strong, but his movements were predictable, each swing telegraphed by the way he shifted his weight.

"Watch your left!" Sera called, her voice cutting through the chaos. I ducked just in time to avoid a glancing blow, countering with a quick strike that sent the boy stumbling back. Meanwhile, Sera had managed to disarm the healer, her movements precise and non-lethal. The match ended when the warhammer wielder, panting heavily, raised his hands in surrender. The healer followed suit, her wide eyes filled with relief rather than disappointment.

As we left the arena, the roar of the crowd still ringing in my ears, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Our first match had been a success, but more than that, we'd fought with respect for our opponents. "Not bad, Noctis," Sera said, clapping me on the shoulder. "But don't get cocky. The tough rounds are still ahead." I smiled, adjusting the straps of my armor. "I'll keep that in mind." As we returned to the shaded area to await the next round, my thoughts drifted once again to the nobles' plan. This was only the beginning, and I had no doubt that the challenges ahead would test not just my strength, but my resolve as well.

The thought struck me suddenly as I leaned back against the wooden bench, the weight of the wrapped blade resting comfortably on my lap. My fingers brushed over the cloth that encased it, the fabric rough and weathered from travel. For weeks, this weapon had been by my side, yet I'd never taken the time to truly see it. "I haven't unwrapped my sword yet," I said aloud, the realization slipping from my lips before I could think. Sera, who was perched on the edge of the bench beside me, turned with a curious tilt of her head. "What?" she asked, her sapphire eyes sparkling with amusement. "You've been carrying that thing around all this time and haven't even looked at it?" I nodded sheepishly. "I wanted to wait for the right moment. But I guess there's no better time than now." She chuckled, her laugh light and melodic. "Well, go on then, Noctis. Unwrap it already! You're making me curious now."

I hesitated for a moment, my fingers resting on the knot that held the cloth together. The world around us seemed to fade, the hum of the crowd and the distant clang of battles in the arena dimming as my focus narrowed. Slowly, carefully, I began to undo the wrapping, the fabric falling away in soft folds.

As the last layer was pulled free, the sword came into view, and a soft gasp escaped Sera's lips. The blade shimmered in the sunlight, its surface gleaming with a brilliance that seemed almost otherworldly. It wasn't just a weapon—it was a work of art. The metal was polished to perfection, a pure silvery sheen that seemed to drink in the light around it. Etched along the length of the blade were intricate patterns of golden roses, their delicate petals curling and intertwining in a dance of elegance. The hilt was just as striking, wrapped in fine leather that felt cool and firm beneath my grip. Small inlaid gems glinted faintly in the sunlight, their colors shifting subtly as though alive. At the base of the hilt, a single golden rose bloomed, its details so intricate it could have been plucked from a garden and turned to metal by some enchantment.

But it was more than just the craftsmanship that took my breath away. As I held the sword, I felt a warmth radiating from it, a subtle but undeniable connection that hummed deep within me. It was as if the blade recognized me, resonating with the energy that coursed through my veins. "Light energy," I murmured, my voice barely audible. Sera leaned closer, her golden hair brushing against my shoulder. "It's beautiful," she said, her tone reverent. "I've never seen anything like it. Look—it's almost like it's responding to you." She was right. The golden etchings seemed to glow faintly, pulsing in time with my heartbeat. I tightened my grip on the hilt, and the warmth intensified, spreading through my arm like a gentle flame. "This sword…" I began, my voice trailing off as I struggled to find the words. "It feels alive. Like it's part of me." Sera smiled, her sapphire eyes alight with wonder. "It suits you, Noctis. It's… radiant, just like your energy. Whoever made this must've known it would end up in your hands."

I turned the blade slowly, watching as the sunlight danced along its surface. The golden roses seemed to shimmer, their beauty a stark contrast to the weapon's lethal purpose. It was a strange, almost poetic balance—deadly and delicate, fierce and graceful. For a moment, I was lost in thought, the weight of the sword in my hand grounding me while its intricate design pulled my mind into a whirl of possibilities. This blade wasn't just a tool for battle—it was a symbol, a reminder of the journey that had brought me here and the challenges that still lay ahead. "Whoever made this," I finally said, my voice steady, "put more into it than just steel and gold. It's… special." Sera nodded, her expression softening. "And now it's yours. Take care of it, Noctis. A sword like that deserves respect—and so does the person who wields it." I glanced at her, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Thanks, Sera. I'll do my best."

For a while, we sat there in silence, the weight of the moment settling over us like a warm blanket. The world around us seemed to pause, the noise of the tournament fading into the background as I studied the blade, letting its presence sink in. The thought of what lay ahead—the battles, the rivalries, the plans of those nobles—no longer seemed as daunting. With this sword in hand and Sera by my side, I felt a newfound confidence take root within me. Eventually, I wrapped the blade again, securing it carefully before slinging it across my back. The warmth of its energy lingered, a comforting reminder of its power and potential. "Ready to win this thing?" Sera asked, breaking the silence with a grin. I stood, adjusting the straps of my armor. "More than ready," I said, my voice firm with resolve. "Let's show them what we're made of."